Abuja-based lawyer and human rights advocate Frank Tietie has criticised Nigeria’s two-year absence of Ambassadors abroad, calling it a “huge disadvantage” that has weakened the country’s diplomatic communication.

President Bola Tinubu is now preparing to appoint envoys to foreign missions, a step Tietie says could strengthen Nigeria’s engagement on security and human rights issues internationally.

The announcement comes amid renewed warnings from United States (US) President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action over reports of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. The US recently added Nigeria to a list of nations it says have violated religious freedoms.

Speaking to Africa Update, Tietie said many Nigerians see Trump’s statements as a potential relief after years of perceived inaction by the federal government in addressing insecurity, particularly in north-central Nigeria. “Christian communities feel the killings have taken on near-genocidal dimensions,” he said.

At the same time, Tietie cautioned that Muslims are also being targeted by terrorists and armed militias. “Any international response should address the broader security crisis, not only attacks on Christians,” he noted.

He also dismissed suggestions that US concern is motivated by Nigeria’s oil reserves, explaining that these resources are firmly under government control. Instead, he said, the pressure appears politically influenced by US domestic considerations, particularly support from the American Christian community.

Recent reports indicate Nigerian security forces have intensified operations against armed groups following Trump’s statements. Tietie said that the return of Ambassadors could further improve Nigeria’s ability to engage with foreign partners and provide a clearer picture of the country’s security situation.

–ChannelAfrica–